The Monorail Resorts of Walt Disney World
Ever since 1971, the Walt Disney World monorail line has been one of the most beloved forms of vacation transportation, circling the Seven Seas Lagoon for over 50 years now.
Benefits of Staying on the Monorail Line
Direct Access to Monorail Transportation
Going without saying, the direct connection to the Monorail system is one of the biggest benefits of staying at a Monorail Hotel. These monorails provide transportation to Magic Kingdom Park, as well as Epcot via a transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Trust me, this benefit especially comes in handy when your feet hurt at the end of a wonderful Magic Kingdom day and you find your hotel room only minutes away.
Walking Paths to the Magic Kingdom
For those staying at the Grand Floridian or Contemporary Resorts, you also have the added benefit of a walking path, which allows you to walk directly to the gates of Magic Kingdom with a 15-minute walk from Grand Floridian and 5 minutes from the Contemporary. Technically you can also walk from the Polynesian, but in my opinion, it’s a much farther walk than what it’s worth (especially when you have the monorail!)
Extra Time in the Parks
For those looking for extra park time, being a guest of any of the three Monorail Loop hotels grants you extended evening hours on select nights to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT depending on availability.
The Resorts
Grand Floridian
First, in the counterclockwise rotation of the monorail loop (aka the express line direction), there is the elegant Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a Victorian-style resort offering several dining experiences and other activities. With this elegance comes a high price, with rates ranging from $800 to over $2,000 per night depending on the room in 2023.
The Grand Floridian is also very well known for its dining experiences, ranging from the casual such as Grand Floridian Cafe and 1900 Park Fare to the upscale royalty of Narcoosee’s and Victoria and Albert’s. You can also grab a specialty cocktail and light bite at the enchanting Enchanted Rose lounge, a bar on the second floor of the Lobby themed to Beauty and the Beast.
Grand Floridian is also home to a couple of recreational experiences as well, such as Fishing, a full-service Spa, and viewing for the classic Electrical Water Pageant.
Polynesian
To the right of Grand Floridian sits the relaxed, tropical vibes of the Polynesian Resort & Spa, a personal favorite. Beloved by many for its picturesque views of Seven Seas Lagoon, amenities, and decor, this tropical getaway saw rates range between $600 and $1900 in 2023.
At the great ceremonial house – the epicenter of the property and where the monorail station is held – guests can find many bars and restaurants that perfectly match the Polynesian flare, including the family-style Ohana, casual dining atKona Cafe, quick service dining at Capt. Cooks, and Trader Sams, the famous themed tiki bar.
Contemporary
Past the Transportation & Ticket Center and closest to the Magic Kingdom sits the Contemporary Resort, known for its unique design and modern style. Home to well-known dining and recreation experiences for everyone, room prices at this resort ranged from $600 – $1700 in 2023.
Contemporary is also home to a few world-class restaurants for every taste, including Chef Mickey’s, a buffet-style character dining experience, California Grill, an upscale restaurant at the top of the resort, and Steakhouse 71, a great casual dining experience for everyone.
The Monorail Resorts for Day Guests
Even if you are not a guest of the Monorail Resorts, you can still enjoy many experiences that these places have to offer!
Pro Tip – If you do plan to visit any of the monorail resorts as a Day Guest and don’t have a reservation, make sure to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Security won’t let you park at the resort itself unless you have one.
Bar Hopping
The Monorail Loop hotels are known for some of the best lounges at Walt Disney World, and many locals who like to spend an evening with cocktails and friends will tell you that the “Monorail Crawl” is the best way to do it. This is a bar crawl that takes place between the three monorail hotels, getting a drink at each location along the way.
Personally, my monorail crawl includes Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian, the Enchanted Rose Lounge at the Grand Floridian, and Outer Rim at Contemporary (or the lounge at California Grill if I have the proper attire). Fair warning, the drinks can get expensive (it is a theme park world after all!), but the experiences and stories you gain from it are absolutely worth it.
Fireworks Viewing
For those who love the Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom, but don’t love the crowds associated with viewing them, then the monorail loop resorts have something for you! At each resort, you are able to view the fireworks with sound playing at the hotel so you can feel a part of the experience without being squished.
Each resort’s viewing place is a little different, such as the beaches of Polynesian or the stairwell balconies of the Contemporary. You are also able to view fireworks if you can time your dinner reservation correctly, with most resort restaurants with a Magic Kingdom view playing the timed soundtrack inside to complete the experience.
Start Planning Your Disney Vacation Today!
More Disney News Stories
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind to Open in 2019 along Pixar Pier
There are four exciting neighborhoods to discover at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure® Park —Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk, Pixar Promenade and Inside Out Headquarters. Located on the western end of the pier, the lush and colorful Inside...
2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Events
2018 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival Next week, you can book food demonstrations, wine tastings, seminars or celebrity chef events during the 2018 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World® Resort. Starting...
Disneyland Resort is Ready for Summer at Downtown Disney
It’s officially summer at the Disneyland® Resort! With the first-ever Pixar Fest in full swing and Pixar Pier opening in just a few weeks, the resort is buzzing with excitement! Also, just in time for you summer visit, Downtown Disney® District has...
2019 Disney vacation packages
The 2019 Walt World vacation packages for Walt Disney World® Resort will be available to book beginning June 19, 2018. These Disney World vacation packages will be valid for arrivals Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2019. Please note the last date of you can vacation...
Aulani Summer Discounts
Now-October 24, 2018, you can book 3 nights and get a 4th night free for travel dates August 20 - December 21, 2018. When you book early, now through June 20, 2018, you will also receive a $150 Resort credit*. Plus, when you stay 5+ nights you can save 30%...